Hai

I am in Lesson 1.2 and wonder what "Hai" means. I am guessing it means "here", but want to be sure. Arigato. - Otis

はい！ (hai) means "yes!"

Otis-san, *Hai* is a multi-functioning Japanese expression. As Derek-san has said, it can mean _"Yes"_ in the "Yes or No" context. So, *Hai* is used as an expressions of agreement - _"right"_ or _"correct"_. *Hai* also serves as _"Hello"_ when picking up the phone to answer a call in a polite/formal/business context. So, a company secretary would answer with *Hai, [name of company] desu.* *Hai* is also used like _"Here"_ when handing something to someone. *Hai* is also used when responding to roll-call, such as in a classroom a teacher is taking attendance and calls out *'Otis-san'* and you would answer *Hai*. - Sayaka :P

[quo]*Quote from * Sayaka *Hai* is also used like _"Here"_ when handing something to someone. *Hai* is also used when responding to roll-call, such as in a classroom a teacher is taking attendance and calls out *'Otis-san'* and you would answer *Hai*. - Sayaka :P[/quo] Hmm i didn't know those two, 面白いです。

Arigato gozai mashita, Sayaka-San!